Werner will discuss his book "Effortless Mastery," which takes a fresh look at how musicians should practice, play, listen and develop creativity, at the first music clinic at 7 p.m Nov. 16 at DePaul’s School of Music, 804 W. Belden Ave. At the second clinic at 1:15 p.m. Nov. 17 in Room 103 of the School of Music, Werner will discuss his approach to jazz composition and arranging. Later, Werner will perform his music and works by composer Thad Jones with the DePaul Jazz Ensemble at a concert that begins at 8 p.m. at DePaul's Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo Drive.

"Ken is a brilliant jazz pianist who has recorded with many legandary artists," said Bob Lark, director of the DePaul’s Jazz Ensemble and jazz studies program. "Even non-musicians can appreciate his book because it deals with issues such as overcoming stage fright."

The DePaul Jazz Ensemble consists of 18 talented graduate and undergraduate students chosen from DePaul’s School of Music jazz program. The ensemble performs publicly throughout the academic year at jazz clinics and in concert. Each February, the ensemble hosts a "Jazz is For Lovers" concert featuring prominent jazz performers. The band has recorded three compact discs with Reference Recordings.

Werner’s 1997 book, Effortless Mastery," has become required reading at many music schools. It is based on his more than 25 years of experience as a performer and composer. Jazz greats he has played with include Bob Brookmeyer, Ron Carter, Joe Williams, Chico Freeman, Sonny Fortune, Peter Erskine, John Abercrombie, Jackie Paris, Bobby McFerrin, Lee Konitz, Billy Hart, Marian McPartland, Joe Henderson, Tom Harrell, Gunther Schuller, Ed Blackwell, Paul Motian, John Scofield, Jack De Johnette, Eddie Gomez, Dave Holland, Charlie Haden and Toots Thielemans.

Werner has received four performance grants from the National Endowment for the Arts.

He has toured extensively with Archie Shepp and performed with the Mel Lewis Orchestra. His appearances include solo concerts in Europe and New York City and duos with such notables as Rufus Reid, Ray Drummond and Jaki Byard. He also has served as pianist, arranger and musical director for the noted film, television and Broadway star Betty Buckley.

His recordings include "A Delicate Balance" on the BMG label with bassist Dave Holland and drummer Jack DeJohnett, and the recently released "Unprotected Music" with Marc Johnson and Joey Baron on the Double-Time Records label.

Werner was a member of the jazz department faculty at the New School in New York for six years. He gives clinics at many universities in the United States and abroad.

For more information about the clinics or concert, call 773/325-4397.